New Graduates Must Have a Job Plan to Succeed

College graduates from the spring class of 2015 may have an easier time finding relevant work thanks to a rebounding economy. Even so, these young men and women should have a comprehensive job plan that includes career goals five years into the future. This road map helps new grads move toward a successful job that uses their degree.

Statistics from a 2015 survey show college graduates have decent chances for landing a good job. Just 5 percent of American job openings are targeted towards graduates, but the number of full-time positions increased 20 percent from the spring of 2014. Data also show companies most likely hire more grads in July and October.

The key to landing a career-starting position may revolve around a viable job plan. College graduates should define specific goals for one year, five years and 10 years after graduation. This personal road map should include financial goals, personal accomplishments, career moves and family-oriented goals.

Longer-term goals may change moving forward, but the plan encourages talking points with those around you. Recent college graduates should talk to everyone they trust about this goal-oriented road map. Discuss plans with family, friends, significant others and mentors. Conversations get ideas and actions flowing.

The plan begins to develop a strong personal brand for college graduates. Bounce ideas off connections on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Put ideas to writing with a blog and see what other people think. Professional posts increase your network, and your writings increase your chances of landing a good job along your career path. Use social media to your advantage by connecting to recruiters and hiring managers at the companies for which you want to work. When you interview with these people in person, start conversations about their professional lives.

Keep up on industry research, even if you do not have a job in your chosen field. Always display passion for your career, even when your first job out of college is less than glamorous. Keeping tabs with your industry shows you are interested in what is trending, how particular forces mold the industry and how companies respond to consumers.

College may not prepare you for the job search, so you need to plan and practice the process of getting a job. A 2014 survey reveals nearly three-fourths of business professionals feel college does not prepare graduates for "real world" jobs, and nearly two-thirds of respondents considered hiring people without degrees whatsoever. New grads feel a good salary and meaningful work represent two major keys to finding a great job. Consider these statistics when you create your personal plan.

College graduates may lack experience for some job openings that occur right after graduation. However, planning for the future gives new grads hope their rewarding career happens sooner rather than later.

Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net